MEDITERRANEAN CONFERENCE CENTER
July 19–21, 2026 

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Reiko Ikeda

池田 玲子

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 GAIA, Must be Beautiful 

Artist’s Statement

From space, the Earth is said to appear as a beautiful blue planet.
Yet here on the ground, we continue to face countless conflicts and challenges—both among nations and between individuals.
This work was created as a prayer and a wish that our Earth may become truly beautiful, not only in appearance but also in spirit and reality.

Message from the Artist

Let us work together to create a more beautiful Earth.

 Wind 

 風 

Artist’s Statement

This work was created to express the atmosphere of spring.
During its creation, I traveled back and forth between my own studio and a glassblowing workshop located some distance away, bringing the piece to completion through that process.
Spring is not always gentle and calm. At times, strong winds sweep across the landscape, only to give way once again to its characteristic softness and warmth.
This work is my attempt to capture those changing moods of spring.

Message from the Artist

I hope this work allows you to experience both the refreshing beauty and the occasional intensity of spring.

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Japan-Europe Palace Art Association Commentary

Reiko Ikeda’s works breathe an extraordinary sense of life and lyricism into the medium of glass.
Embracing and transforming light through layers of color, her creations transcend mere form, offering a quiet reflection on the relationship between nature and humanity, while evoking a profound appreciation for the beauty of the world around us.

Particularly striking is the warmth inherent in her handcrafted stained-glass artistry.
While each work demonstrates a refined level of technical mastery, it also reveals the accumulation of time, patience, and a sincere dialogue with the material itself.
This human touch lends her creations a rare sense of intimacy and authenticity. Light shimmers within the glass, colors shift with changing perspectives, and each encounter unveils a new visual experience for the viewer.

At the heart of Ikeda’s artistic practice lies an imagination unbound by conventional forms.
Through the organic interplay of glass, light, and space, her works become more than static objects; they exist as living presences that continually transform with their surroundings. Their quiet elegance carries a gentle reverence for nature and a hopeful vision for the future, leaving a lasting resonance in the minds of those who encounter them.
It is within the harmony of delicate sensitivity, accomplished craftsmanship, and an enduring spirit of creativity that the distinctive character of Reiko Ikeda’s artistic world reveals itself.